by Crissy Smith
“So how’s everything else going?” Tony asked, elbowing him.
“You don’t want me to kick your ass, do you?” Cain retorted.
Tony snorted. “I’m happy for you.”
Damn, Cain sighed but stopped right before they reached the Alpha’s door. “Thanks, I’m taking her on a run tonight. It’s probably been a while since she’s shifted and I want our wolves to be comfortable with one another.”
“You already know they are,” Tony pointed out. “You’ve shifted together before.”
“We weren’t intimate at the time,” Cain said. “This will be different.”
“Oh yeah, it will,” Tony agreed.
Cain shook his head. “I’d like her to stay in the main house while I’m gone. I’m going to talk to her about it tonight.”
“Talk—not order,” Tony told him.
“What?” Cain had been reaching out to knock on the door but paused with his hand still raised.
“For some reason, every time you get around Emily you turn into this giant asshole that treats her like she needs her hand held for every little thing,” Tony answered.
“I do not,” Cain argued. “Not every time.”
“Yes, you do,” Tony said. “I don’t know what happened this morning but it’s apparent that the two of you turned a page in your relationship. Don’t fuck it up now.”
Cain grunted. It’s wasn’t like he planned to fuck things up. It just seemed to happen when he got around Emily. “Shut up,” he mumbled, then knocked on his Alpha’s door.
Chapter Six
Emily nervously wiped her hands on her jeans as she waited for Cain to meet her in front of the cabin she was staying in. She liked the small house and knew if she moved back to the territory, Lamont would offer it to her. Maybe not if but when. She’d always planned on returning so that she could give something back to the Pack, but now that she was with Cain she had a decision to make. Could she really leave and chance losing Cain?
Just the thought of Cain pulling away made her chest ache. But didn’t she deserve to get what she wanted? School was important to her and she didn’t want to give that up either. She’d have plenty of time with Cain if he just gave her the chance. A future, maybe with their own home and kids. That was what her ultimate goal with Cain was.
That was too far in the future for her to think about now, though. First they would enjoy a run together in their shifter forms. She was both excited and edgy at the same time. For some reason this felt so much more different from any other time they’d gone on a run.
Cain had called her earlier and told her about the newest attack, but had insisted that they go ahead and shift and run. He’d told her that he needed to let his wolf out before he traveled in the morning and he still wanted to spend time with her while he could. He didn’t know how long he’d be gone.
If she was being honest, Emily had expected him to cancel on her. She knew how important Cain’s position in the Pack was and if he was going to investigate the attacks he had a lot to prepare. Knowing that he was making time just for her had Emily feeling special and treasured. But Cain had always gone out of his way to make sure she was taken care of. Even when he’d avoided all contact with her.
Since she hadn’t had much to do that afternoon, Emily had made herself a pot of coffee before she’d sat out on the front porch of the cabin and just enjoyed the outdoors and home. The cabin was set back from the street while still overlooking the path to the Alpha house. From her view, she could see the Alpha property plus much of the territory surrounding it. The only reason she’d driven over the day before was because she’d had some gifts for Toby and some of the other young shifters. Normally she loved making the trek from the cabin to the main house.
With the gentle breeze, Emily had relaxed and thought about Cain and how she felt about him.
From the very beginning she’d felt like something was pulling her toward Cain. Now that she could look back without the taint of rejection, she remembered the way that Cain had always made her feel safe. Even as a young girl, some part of her recognized the strength and power in Cain. Emily didn’t remember much about her life as a toddler and small child. Her memories before coming to the Pack were filled with being afraid and in pain. She’d never had the same feelings with Lamont’s Pack or around Cain. Instead she’d felt safe and loved.
How many teenage boys would have allowed an awkward and geeky pre-teen to hang around them and follow them constantly? Cain had, and also had always made her feel welcome. He hadn’t allowed the other kids to tease or harass her.
When she’d gotten older and had developed her crush on him, he’d been sweet but firm that she was too young. Even then Cain had been her protector. After he’d rejected her, Emily had wanted to hate him. She’d even told herself she did, but in truth she still loved Cain and probably always had. Knowing now that he’d warned off every other wolf both frustrated and aroused her. He’d marked his claim on her to others while remaining aloof to her. Maybe she should have hit him harder.
That thought made her smile just as Cain came strolling up the cleared path from the Alpha compound toward her cabin.
She loved watching the way he moved. Dressed only in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, feet bare of shoes and socks, Cain appeared casual, but Emily knew that was far from how he was.
The entire time he walked, his gaze darted around and he was lifting his head and scenting the area.
Not only was Cain a great Enforcer, but he’d been trained as a guard as well. Nowadays it was Cain who put the new guards through testing before they could claim the position. Emily followed his gaze around, but she didn’t see any danger. Instead, she saw the place that felt like home to her and the man who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
Giddy laughter bubbled up and she had to work to hold it in. So much had changed in the last twenty-four hours. She hadn’t even wanted to come back because she knew she’d be running into Cain. Now she dreaded returning to school and having to leave him behind. There was no way that Cain would be able to leave the Pack, and Emily had to graduate so she could contribute to the Pack like she’d always wanted.
“Hi.” Cain’s voice carried to her and immediately she felt more at peace.
What was she thinking? It wasn’t like Cain would just tell her their time had been nice and send her on her way. Hell, he’d already warned off the other shifters before they’d gotten together. She trusted her man to find a way to make their relationship work.
“Hello,” she greeted with a kiss to his lips.
“Are you excited?” he asked but it was obvious that he already knew the answer.
“Yes!” She was bouncing on her toes. It had been too long since she’d transformed into her wolf. She was dying to be able to run through the woods.
“Come on.” He gripped her hand before tugging her after him. “I already told the guards we’d be out so nobody will bother us.”
Emily grinned. She knew exactly what he was talking about. Especially after our little performance earlier around the Alpha house. She was blushing when Cain chuckled.
“Just relax and enjoy the run,” Cain told her. “Everything else is taken care of.”
The area that he was leading her to was a more private location than the main land that they shifted and ran in as a Pack. Emily was familiar with her surroundings. When she’d first begun to transform into her wolf, it had been hard for her to be around so many shifters at once, so Lamont would bring her out here. She also knew this was where Cain liked to let loose when the responsibilities of protecting the Pack got to him. Trees quickly swallowed them up as they strolled deeper into the woods toward absolute privacy. With the slight breeze, she could already feel the urge to drop down and begin the change.
Her wolf was so close to the surface.
When Emily thought of her animal, she always referred to the wolf as her wolf. As a shifter she felt the wolf inside her like a separate but very much needed part of her.
She just felt more complete, like all her senses, emotions and feelings came together and she was whole.
That she belonged.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” Cain asked before he pulled her to a stop.
Emily glanced around and realized that they’d reached the small area where they would undress. A wooden trunk had been set up so they could leave their clothes and not have to worry about dirt and leaves, or other animals taking off with their belongings. “I was just thinking about how much I love to shift.”
Cain nodded. “I know what you mean. I hardly ever have to leave the territory and I don’t get to change enough.”
It felt good that she could talk to him about these things. “I’m almost nervous that I’ve forgotten how to transform,” she confessed.
“Close your eyes,” he said quietly.
“Why?” she asked, peering around to see if something was wrong.
“Emily,” Cain added power to his voice. “Trust me.”
She did, so she closed her eyes but made sure she could sense him still.
“Good,” he said before he started to walk around to her back. She tried to move with him. “No,” he ordered. “Stay still.”
“Okay,” she agreed.
She jumped when his hands came down onto her shoulders.
“Relax,” he murmured against her ear. “There is no one out here but us.” He started to massage her. “I can hear a rabbit not too far away—it’s scurrying around, making the leaves rustle. Can you hear it?”
“Yes.” She didn’t even have to strain.
“The creek’s close by. The water is fresh and cold,” Cain told her. “The wind is picking up some of the moisture and carrying it toward us. Can you feel it?”
“Uh huh,” she replied with a shiver.
Cain ran his hands down her arms. “All around us nature is settling in for the night. The woods belong to us, to our wolves. Can you shift?”
“Yes,” she hissed. The muscles in her body jumped involuntarily. “Please.”
When he tugged her shirt over her head, Emily raised her arms to help him.
“Keep your eyes closed,” he whispered. “Let me do this for you.”
Emily moaned. She would grant him anything. “Thank you.”
Cain placed a soft kiss to the nape of her neck. “No, thank you. You’ve always deserved to be treated so much better than you have been. I’ve failed you so many times.”
No, what was Cain talking about? He was wonderful to her.
“Shh,” he said. “I know you don’t think so, but I have. From this moment on I’m committing to giving you everything you need. I want to make up for the past years where I held you at arm’s length. You should have never felt alone.”
And she had felt that way. When Cain had started to avoid her it had broken her heart. Still, she understood why he’d done it. She opened her mouth to assure him that she was fine with everything, but his finger touched her lip.
It was so hard to keep her eyes closed, but he’d asked her to so she did her best. Maybe it was easier for his confessions if she wasn’t looking at him.
“I have no excuse except I was young, too, and thought I was doing what was best for you,” Cain said. “Let me show you how special you are to me.”
“Okay,” she told him. Whatever he needs to do to get us past this point. All she wanted was her future with Cain.
“Good,” he praised after she’d relaxed further. He undid her jeans and within a few minutes she was naked and barely able to contain herself.
“Cain,” she said quietly. She was so close to her transformation.
“Kneel,” he ordered.
She dropped to her knees with her head bent. Cain buried his fingers in her hair, and she pushed into his touch.
“Let your wolf out,” he said. “Shift for me.”
The rush came over her fast. Her body bent and contorted without any probing from her. She was no longer in control. Just a moment later, her vision changed and she realized she’d opened her eyes and the world around her had darkened but become sharper.
Movement from the corner of her eye had Emily turning her head in Cain’s direction. He was still in human form, although he had undressed. She trotted over to him and ran her head under his palm. He petted her before rubbing behind her ears. Between the panting and soft moans, she tried to show him how wonderful his touch felt.
Finally, he patted her shoulder a couple of times before he crouched. Emily backed up and allowed him space so that he could transform and join her in wolf form.
The snaps of bones and loud crunching seemed to echo around the woods but Emily never took her gaze off him. When fur, claws and a snout replaced Cain’s human form she went right over to him. She dragged her muzzle over his shoulders and sides, welcoming him as an animal.
Cain returned the rubbing and marking with scent until he’d knocked her over. Emily rolled over, exposing her belly and neck to him. She showed him that he was more dominant than she was.
Gently, he finished nosing her, accepting her submission before he sat down and gave her a low bark. Emily flopped over before she rose. He nudged her north and Emily took off.
She knew her way around and let the wolf go where she wanted. The muscles of her legs stretched and warmed and she started to sprint faster and faster. Cain was staying caught up with her behind, and, although he could pass her at any time, it seemed that he was happy to have her lead the way.
They rushed past fallen logs and branches on the way to the creek that she hadn’t yet visited on this trip. The scent of the clean, fresh water was heavy in the air as she raced toward it. Emily was content to let all the worries and concerns from the previous days disappear until all she thought about was how much fun she was having.
Leaping over a large rock, she changed direction to extend the run. She didn’t glance back to see if Cain followed. It wasn’t like she couldn’t follow his scent trail if she needed to.
A strong new smell reached her as she caught sight of a large fox scurrying in front of her. Emily slowed down before she darted around a huge tree. She dropped to her stomach as she panted. Cain wasn’t with her but she could feel him close by.
The fox stood on its hind legs as it peered around. It was a full animal and not a shifter. Emily had no intention of attacking the small thing, but the urge to hunt was strong. As if the fox sensed she was near and ready to pounce, the furry animal took off. Emily quickly went in pursuit.
Pure enjoyment went through her as she played and chased the fox around. When the little critter got tired of the game, it climbed up the tree, leaving her on the ground by herself. She glanced around trying to spot Cain. She knew he was close even if she couldn’t see him. Maybe he was playing hide and seek? They used to do that all the time when they were younger and it could be a way for them to connect again. She settled down and closed her eyes so she could try to pinpoint exactly where he was.
There! She caught a snap of a branch.
Emily rose before she circled around. Cain had just stepped over a pile of leaves, no doubt trying to be quiet, but she was in perfect position for coming up behind him. He was moving and she nodded to herself. There was no doubt that he was fully aware she was stalking him. Trying to stay as quiet as she could, Emily matched him step for step. If she could use his own sound to cover hers she might just get the jump on him.
He was leading her back toward the creek and she had to pounce before they got there. The moisture in the air felt heavy and the humidity was thick but Emily was ignoring it as she prepared to get her partner. Cain paused before he glanced from side to side. She was downwind from him but with Cain’s training and instincts she had to be careful. Emily waited until he turned his back once again before she launched herself at him.
Cain turned at the last moment so instead of landing on his back she knocked into his side and they went rolling.
He recovered faster than her so Emily found herself on her back with
Cain standing over her while his long tongue lolled out of his mouth. He licked her snout before he ran his muzzle across her throat.
In a move as natural as anything she’d ever felt, she leaned her head back, giving him better access to her vulnerable neck. It was a wolf move—even though she kept all human reasoning in her animal form, she still had the urges of a wolf. Cain rubbed up against her, first gently, then with more pressure, marking her with his scent. Anyone close by would be able to smell that Emily belonged to him.
That thought made her so happy. Cain was letting others know that they were together. She whined and wiggled, asking for even more attention.
Cain backed up then turned his head toward the creek. She huffed before she rolled over and slowly climbed to her feet. Cain brushed up against her then took off at a careless jog.
In human form Cain had a great ass and since she was a wolf looking at another she could admit that his rear was just as mouthwatering in this form as well. Arousal started to burn inside her and all of a sudden she was in a hurry to get to the water, where they would shift.
With a bark, Emily raced after Cain.
She’d almost caught up with him when he added some speed. They both knew that he was faster so the fact that he was staying just in front of her was done on purpose.
They reached the creek and Emily stepped up to the edge and lapped at the cool water. It soothed her dry throat, the taste fresh, and she thought about jumping in. But as much as the human part of her would enjoy that, her wolf hated water. Oh, she could swim in either form but she did not like to smell like wet dog either. Not when she could get naked and sexy with Cain.
Overhead, the moon shone brightly, and she could see the reflection of her light gray fur beside Cain’s nearly all black. Cain took after his father in his wolf form, although Lamont was bigger and wider. She didn’t know if that was an Alpha thing or not. Lamont was the only Alpha she’d ever met and she wanted to keep it that way. Luckily, the city was free territory and she didn’t have to ask permission to study there.
Cain nudged her, drawing her attention away from her thoughts and back on him. She was doing her best not to think about him and how much she hungered for him but it seemed like Cain didn’t like to be ignored.